THERRIEN MAKING LINEUP CHANGES FOR GAME TWO

We had to know that, with only a six day training camp, nothig would be carved in stone when it came to Michel Therrien’s lineup.

Alex Galchenyuk Practices at Centre For First Time

The Canadiens returned to the ice Monday and Therrien was in the mood for change. All of the lines, with the exception of Desharnais/Pacioretty/Cole, underwent changes.

In the third period of Saturday’s 2-1 loss to Toronto, Rene Bourque replaced Alex Galchenyuk on the line with Brian Gionta and Tomas Plekanec. The change produced the Canadiens only goal which was enough for Therrien to leave them untouched at the morning pracice.

After spending his entire junior season on the wing, Galchenyuk was moved to centre for the first time between Brendan Gallagher and Brendon Prust. Prior to this season, the Canadiens top draft pick was Sarnia’s top centreman. Meanwhile, Gallagher will probably make his NHL debut against the Panthers Tuesday night.

Prust, Colby Armstrong and Ryan White made up the Canadiens most effective unit Saturday night. Travis Moen joined Armstrong and White. Based on the Monday practice it appears that Eller has found a place in the coach’s doghouse. He joined Mike Blunden and Yannick Weber as the odd men out.

On the blueline, Andrei Markov and Alexei Emelin remain a unit. Josh Gorges practiced with Raphael Diaz Monday while Tomas Kaberle was bumped down to play with Francis Bouillon on the third pairing.

In the twenty-four hours leading up to Tuesday’s game, Therrien may think of a few more wrinkles but clearly change is in the air after Saturday’s flat performance against Toronto.

One Comment to “THERRIEN MAKING LINEUP CHANGES FOR GAME TWO”

After saturdays loss Therrien said he would make some changes….A man with a word!!!! Tomorrow’s game should be more than intense….the guys know if they don’t give their 100% they could join Eller. Can’t wait to see the third line in action ….the Kid at center with Gallagher who must be ready to eat the boards and Prust as protection …..I think the Panthers will have their hands full trying to keep them off the scoreboard ….GO HABS GO